Review: Bibim - Allston/Brighton

Bibim is a relatively new restaurant in Boston's Korean town (Allston area). What makes this restaurant stand out from other Korean restaurants in town is its decoration. The decoration is very warm and cozy, making you feel like home. I must say I really love the decoration in this restaurant because it is very vintage and old-schooled, unlike other restaurants in Allston. In addition to that, there was French music playing in the background, making it feels like you're in a Western coffee shop with a bit of Korean atmosphere. Bibim is one of the first restaurants that adapted the influences from New York City's Korean restaurants, which is pretty impressive. I have been to NYC many times and I have tried a lot of Korean restaurants and their decorations are quite similar to the decoration of Bibim. 

Cute decoration on whitewashed stone wall. The restaurant has a fusion atmosphere - combined between Korean and Western. 

Vintage window frame with plants in tin cans - unique and stylish. These decorations really enhance the store's interior. 

I was really impressed with the decoration of the restaurant and couldn't wait to try the food. Because the store was designed so nicely, I didn't have much expectations for the food. However, I was totally wrong. Every single dish we tried was absolutely delish and we would recommend this restaurant to any Korean cuisine fan. This is a perfect spot for good music, great decoration, and fine food. The menu has various of authentic Korean food from scallion pancake, to sundae (boiled intestines - which I was surprised because no other restaurants serve it), from bibimbap to soup/stew, etc. There are so many options to choose from and I can't wait to come back again to try more delicious Korean dishes. 
We ordered a total of three dishes: Fried chicken with chili garlic sauce, bulgogi gimbap, and hot stone octopus bibimbap. And as usual, they are served with authentic banchan (side dishes) like any other Korean restaurants. 

Banchan - left to right, up to down: Kimchi cucumber, sweet potato, kimchi, and macaroni. They taste okay, not very impressive but met the standard of banchan.

Fried chicken with chili garlic sauce - Boneless popcorn chicken fried to perfection with the addition of a sweet and spicy sauce on top. It was amazing and different from the ones you get in Bonchon (since we all know that Bonchon has the best fried chicken in town). I highly recommend you to try out this dish - delightful. 

Bulbogi Gimbap - Tightly stuffed and rolled. One of the best gimbaps I have ever eaten in Boston. Every single ingredient is finely marinated and they all come together as 1 piece - melt right in your mouth. Yum! Can't wait to try the Spicy Tuna gimbap is was highly recommended on Yelp. 

Hot Stone Octopus Bibimbap - The waitress recommended us to try this one since we have already tried the beef bulbogi bibimbap so many times at other restaurants and octopus is just a more unique ingredient. It turned out to be really good - the sauce is very different from the one you get for beef bulgogi bibimbap. The octopus is marinated with a bit of spiciness, making it stand out from other ingredients in the bibimbap. Yum, another favorite at Bibim. :) 

In short, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves Korean food. They offer a wide range of food selection; the decor is adorable and it is conveniently located in the heart of Allston. Everything was great: food, ambiance, and service. Plus, it is inexpensive. You guys should really give it a try sometimes!! Here is the restaurant's address and ranking: 

Bibim

166 Harvard Ave
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 787-5656 - They take reservations 

$$ (2/5) - Inexpensive
❤❤❤❤ (4/5) - Yummy

Food Review: Giacomo’s Ristorante - North End (Boston)

The weather has gotten a little bit warmer after a 6-month-long winter so I have decided to try out a famous restaurant in Little Italy - North End. Giacomo's Ristorante is well-known for their authentic Italian food and the long wait time. We got here around 4 PM and there were around 20 people ahead of us, waiting for the restaurant to open (they open at 4:30 PM). The long was long and I don't think I could survive it if it was freezing cold outside. Fortunately, it was really sunny and warm today so it really wasn't that bad. After a 30-minute-long wait, we finally got in the restaurant along with the other people ahead of us. It was really lucky of us because they decided to cut the line right after we got in! The restaurant is really tiny yet cozy with classy Italian decor. We ordered Fried Calamari for appetizer, Shrimp & Scallops over Linguine and Butternut Squash Ravioli for Entrees. It was really worth the wait, and the money. The food came out really fast and it was soooo yummy and authentic - probably the best Italian meal I have ever had in awhile. I have heard a lot of good things about this restaurant but we could never stood the long waiting time so we gave up every time. Luckily, we were able to get our tummies stuffed with yummy Italian food this time. 

Note: It is CASH only. 

Fried Calamari - Small ($7) - mmmhhh must be the best Calamari in town with homemade ketchup (with real tomato chunks!). My boyfriend never liked Calamari but he had to admit that it was pretty tasty - excellent appetizer to start with. The calamari was fried to perfection with a little bit of sourness from the lemon - just dip it in the sauce and you're gonna be in heaven~ 

Butternut Squash Ravioli ($15) - Best one I ever had! Also the most famous dish at Giacamo's. Not being too greasy or rich - it was light and flavorful. The butternut squash inside the ravioli is to die for - it is so tasty and delightful. The creamy sauce was really good too - everything goes well with each others. Absolutely delicious. 

Shrimp & Scallops over Linguine in Frad Diavolo sauce ($16) - My favorite! I have never enjoyed eating pasta like I did at this restaurant. The sauce was a combination of spiciness, saltiness, sourness, and lightness. The shrimps and scallops were very well marinated, so was the linguine. 

Giacomo's Ristorante

355 Hanover St, North End, Boston, MA, 02113

(617) 523-9026 

They don't take reservations, first come first serve basis and usually the wait time is really long, but worth it. 

Note: It is CASH only. 

$$ (Affordable)

❤❤❤❤ (4.0/5.0) - Yummy! 

5 Spring/Summer 2014 Shoes Trends

Let's take a look at some hot upcoming trends that will blow you away for the Spring/Summer 2014!

Ankle Strap

Simplicity is the current trend of 2014. Simple daily outfits and shoes would cool down the hotness and humidity in the summer time. The most popular shoes trend this season would be the ankle strap sandals or flats. These straps come in various materials, from comfortable to fashionable such: fabric, laces, leather, or metal. This feminine addition to the collection would compliment a girl's legs to the maximum. These strap ankle shoes can also pull off a chic and sexy look because they go well with almost every single outfit. 

However, the downside of this style is that it would accentuate the chubby girl's biggest weakness - her noticeably curvy legs. Yet, this can be fixed by choosing the thickness and the color of the straps. If your legs are slender, go for the thicker straps with bright colors, but if your legs are not, choose the thinner ones with either black or nude. 

Saint Laurent Classic Jane Ankle Strap 110 Sandal in Black Leather ($795)

Jimmy Choo 'Greta' Suede Sandals 145MM (Sold Out)

Cut-out Shoes

Unique and seductive, the inventive cut-out shoes were recently introduced to the fashion world in 2013 and still remained a hot trend at the moment. Hmm… you have always wondered why people never wore boots in the summer? Forget that idea! Because cut-out trend makes boots wearable even in the hotness of summer. The revealing cut-out details would surely compliment the sexiness of our girls this summer! They go really well with casual daily style, especially when we pair them up with leggings, skinny pants, tights, hot shorts, tanks, and long cardigan. 

Balenciaga Buckle Strap Ankle Boot 80MM 

Pointed Toe Slingback Flats 

The classic pointed toe! They always bring sexiness and seduction to any outfits. This summer, solid colors would be the perfect fit for those who want to find the casual, everyday pair of shoes (with a hint of sexiness). Easy to style, easy to wear, comfortable, sexy, what can be better? This style will definitely compliment those with long and slender legs; however, petite girls (like me) could also pull of this style by choosing the natural and pastel colors.

Lulu's Report Shelli Coral Back-Bow ($63)

Zara Sling Back Leather Sandals ($69.90)

Chunky Heel Loafers 

Elegant and chic are those characteristics of this trend. This typical loafers are equipped with a bit of heel, bringing it to the next level of fashion - luxurious and practical. It's so easy to wear and comfortable for any daily outfits. Even though this style has been in the market for awhile, it has recently became hot again and is expected to make a huge comeback this summer. A lot of fashionistas have paired these chunky heel loafers with jersey skater skirts, skinny pants, or jumpsuits to achieve the fun and modern street style look. 

Metallic Shoes

Even though metallic shoes have been existing in the fashion world for awhile, the popularity has never been decreased. With metallic shoes, there is no need of pairing it with bright colors because it would pop out and emphasize the outfit. Metallic shoes could make you stand out in the crowd under the sun without trying too hard. With this pair of shoes, we can just dress very simple with natural or dark color shades but still be able to look distinctive among other people. 

Alexander McQueen Metallic Gold Pearl Pumps ($1095) 

Giuseppi Zanotti Gold Pumps ($650)